FARMINGTON – The National Day of Prayer will be observed Thursday with noontime ceremonies in Farmington and Wilton.

The gazebo in Meeting House Park on Main Street in Farmington and the gazebo at Bass Park in Wilton will host this year’s celebrations. It is the fifth year that the service is being offered in the Wilton gazebo, organizer Bernadette Harvell said.

The theme – Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield – is based on Psalm 28: 7, “the Lord is my strength and shield, my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.”

During the ceremonies, the proclamation of the National Day of Prayer will be read, music is planned and a message on the theme will be followed by prayers.

In Farmington, state Sen. Walter Gooley will read the National Day of Prayer proclamation, Clyde Penney will lead the pledge of allegiance and Pastor Tom Dubois of Western Mountain Baptist Church will give the message, she said.

In Wilton, state Rep. Tom Saviello will read the proclamation, Gordon Webber will lead the pledge and the Rev. Stephen Parks of East Wilton Union Church will give the message.

The annual event encourages Americans to pray for the nation, its people and leaders. It was established by an act of Congress in 1952 and amended in 1988, establishing the first Thursday of May as National Day of Prayer.

For more information visit www.ndptf.org

For information about the local events, contact Harvell at 778-2981.